Christie on Wednesday confirmed a report he asked Republicans to save Speaker Sheila Oliver's job as rumors swirled in June that Democrats would try to oust her for backing an overhaul of public worker health and pension benefits.

Oliver says she thinks the governor may be "deranged" and having a "bipolar moment."

Mother Jones magazine first reported Christie's offer of support. It obtained a recording of a private speech Christie gave to conservatives in Colorado in June.

On the recording, Christie says Oliver asked him for Republican backing if angry Democrats tried to vote her out. Christie confirmed Wednesday he offered to help.

Oliver tells The Associated Press she never asked Christie for help and never needed it.